Jon Hall
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195329063
- eISBN:
- 9780199870233
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195329063.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter examines in detail seven letters from Cicero's correspondence in order to establish some of the conventions of linguistic politeness typically used in more formal epistolary exchanges ...
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This chapter examines in detail seven letters from Cicero's correspondence in order to establish some of the conventions of linguistic politeness typically used in more formal epistolary exchanges between Roman aristocrats. These seven letters include missives from Cicero to C. Matius, Marcus Crassus, Cassius Longinus, Scribonius Curio, Acilius Caninus, and L. Culleolus, as well as one from M. Marcellus to Cicero. These letters show the important role played by conventionalized polite language in aristocratic correspondence and in particular by the following linguistic strategies: expressions of thanks and appreciation, pledges of help and support, emphatic assertions of pleasure, assertions of goodwill and congratulations, compliments (often wittily phrased), and the commemoration of family ties and previous friendly services. Overall, these letters demonstrate the value placed on the politeness of respect in circles where personal dignitas received great emphasis, as well as the significance of conventionalized affiliative politeness and polite fictions for individuals attempting to forge cooperative political alliances.Less
This chapter examines in detail seven letters from Cicero's correspondence in order to establish some of the conventions of linguistic politeness typically used in more formal epistolary exchanges between Roman aristocrats. These seven letters include missives from Cicero to C. Matius, Marcus Crassus, Cassius Longinus, Scribonius Curio, Acilius Caninus, and L. Culleolus, as well as one from M. Marcellus to Cicero. These letters show the important role played by conventionalized polite language in aristocratic correspondence and in particular by the following linguistic strategies: expressions of thanks and appreciation, pledges of help and support, emphatic assertions of pleasure, assertions of goodwill and congratulations, compliments (often wittily phrased), and the commemoration of family ties and previous friendly services. Overall, these letters demonstrate the value placed on the politeness of respect in circles where personal dignitas received great emphasis, as well as the significance of conventionalized affiliative politeness and polite fictions for individuals attempting to forge cooperative political alliances.
Kit Morrell
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- June 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198755142
- eISBN:
- 9780191816512
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198755142.003.0007
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter examines the aftermath of Marcus Crassus’ defeat in Parthia in 53. The Parthian threat was real, as was the defence response, but there was no move to avenge Crassus in these years. ...
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This chapter examines the aftermath of Marcus Crassus’ defeat in Parthia in 53. The Parthian threat was real, as was the defence response, but there was no move to avenge Crassus in these years. Instead, Rome disowned Crassus’ aggressive campaign while embracing principles of ethical governance long advocated by Pompey and Cato. The blow to Rome’s military supremacy, combined with endemic misgovernment, created the threat of rebellion within Roman provinces; we therefore find Cicero, Gaius Cassius, Marcus Bibulus, and others striving not only to defend against Parthian attack but also to secure the loyalty of the allies by means of fair and upright governance. In this way, Crassus’ defeat provided the catalyst for an ongoing programme of provincial reform. Another product was the senatus consultum of 53, passed probably with Cato’s backing, which became the lex Pompeia de provinciis of 52 (the subject of chapter 7).Less
This chapter examines the aftermath of Marcus Crassus’ defeat in Parthia in 53. The Parthian threat was real, as was the defence response, but there was no move to avenge Crassus in these years. Instead, Rome disowned Crassus’ aggressive campaign while embracing principles of ethical governance long advocated by Pompey and Cato. The blow to Rome’s military supremacy, combined with endemic misgovernment, created the threat of rebellion within Roman provinces; we therefore find Cicero, Gaius Cassius, Marcus Bibulus, and others striving not only to defend against Parthian attack but also to secure the loyalty of the allies by means of fair and upright governance. In this way, Crassus’ defeat provided the catalyst for an ongoing programme of provincial reform. Another product was the senatus consultum of 53, passed probably with Cato’s backing, which became the lex Pompeia de provinciis of 52 (the subject of chapter 7).
